What to Look for When Choosing a Block of Land?

Buying a block of land is an exciting milestone but with so many factors to consider, it can quickly become overwhelming.  

Orientation – Let the sun work for you 

Did you know that your land orientation can actually help you keep sustainable and energy-efficient and reduce your carbon footprint?  

Orientation determines how much natural light your home receives throughout the day, how warm it stays in winter, and how cool it remains in summer. A north-facing backyard is generally the most sought-after in Victoria, as it maximizes natural sunlight in your living areas, especially during cooler months. This means better passive heating, reduced reliance on artificial lighting, and potentially lower heating bills.  

A north-facing home isn’t always possible, but not to worry! With a thoughtful design choice such as clever window placements, skylights, and more, you can achieve the optimal level of sunlight.  

If you’re unsure which orientation works best for your lifestyle or building plans, our team can help you assess your block options and choose with confidence.  

Soil tests & types – The Foundation of Your Build 

The type of soil directly impacts your home’s foundation and whether it’s safe. Good soil composition is important in terms of minimizing the cost of building a sturdy foundation.  A soil test helps to determine how reactive the ground is and whether additional engineering is needed. More reactive soil generally means higher building costs, so understanding this upfront is essential.  

Easements – Know what you can (and can’t) build on 

Make sure you have a clear understanding where easements are situated on the block, as they might impact on your building. Easements are legally designated areas that allow authorities or neighbours access for essential services such as:  

• Sewage and stormwater drainage 

• Telephone and power lines 

• Shared driveways and access road 

You generally cannot build permanent structures over an easement, which may impact your floorplan, fencing, or landscaping. Understanding where easements sit on your block ensures there are no surprises later.  

Slope 

The slope or gradient of your land can highly affect the design and cost. A flatter block is usually more affordable to build on, while steeper lots may require:  

• Retaining walls 

• Split-levels designs 

• Additional excavation 

If you’re working with a budget, choosing a flatter homesite can help keep construction costs predictable.  

Location – Think Long-term lifestyle  

Buying land is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so the location of the block needs to be in an area that makes the most sense for you now and later. Consider the land’s proximity to amenities that will make your life easier – shops, schools, parks, major roads, public transport.  

Do thorough research on your areas of interest and look at 

• Forecast population growth 

• Upcoming infrastructure improvements 

• Whether the area is in a flood or bushfire zone, this could impact your insurance. 

Estate design guidelines – Know the Rules Before You Build 

You also want to take time researching council restrictions and planning requirements. Different councils can have different rules, which can limit what you build and how you build it. Each local government can have its own requirements relating to home size, setbacks, offsets and appropriate building materials, among many other things. 

For the 3217 area, there are specific rules for: 

• Fencing – no front fences, timber/Colourbond for side/rear 

• Colour scheme – adopting a colour palette of visually interesting muted neutral tones and materials to enhance the streetscape)  

• Letterboxes – must complement the dwelling in terms of materials, colour and style 

Checking whether the estate you are buying in has design guidelines and if your desired floorplan will work within those guidelines 

Need Help Choosing the Right Block? 

Selecting land is one of the biggest decisions in your property journey but you don’t have to navigate it alone.  

Our team is ready to help buyers achieve standout results. From comparing blocks, understanding estate guidelines, and choosing the right lot with you with confidence. We’re here to help you make a choice you’ll love for years to come.  

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